Curiosity continues among newly elected TS MLAs

K. Chandrashekhar Rao on Thursday took oath as the Chief Minister of Telangana for a second term in a row.Governor E.S.L. Narasimhan administered the oath of office and secrecy to the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) leader at a ceremony held at Raj Bhavan. Mohammed Mahmood Ali, a member of Telangana Legislative Council, also took oath as a Minister. Ali, who was Deputy Chief Minister in the previous cabinet, is likely to retain the same post.KCR, as he is popularly known, is likely to expand his cabinet next week. The TRS retained power by winning 88 seats in the 119-member Assembly.Photo:Laeeq

Hyderabad: Curiosity prevails among the newly elected MLAs of TRS about the formation of State Cabinet.

In the meeting of TRS legislature party, Mr. KCR had announced that he will take oath along with one or more ministers. The aspirants of cabinet berth became active for their inclusion in the ministry.

CM kept this issue as the top secret. Even his close confidants and personal staff did not know as to who would be sworn in as ministers. Most of the MLAs waited a telephone call from CMO. They were in contact with each other to seek information. They were also in close contacts with the media offices and news channels to know the decision of CM. These activities intensified in the morning yesterday. Mr. KTR, Mr. Harish Rao and Ms. Kavitha set aside all the questions regard this issue saying that CM himself will take the decision.

Mr. Narsing Rao, Secretary to CM contacted Mr. Mehmood Ali at 11:15 a.m. informing him that his name is being sent to Governor for taking oath. At 12 noon, a telephone call was received from Raj Bhavan that Mr. Mahmood Ali has to take oath as Minister.

As soon as CM announced the end of oath taking ceremony, the aspirants of ministerial berths got wonderstruck.

Sources close to CM indicate that CM will expand his cabinet on 18th December. He might induct a few more ministers in the first phase. Later, after judging the performance of the newly elected MLAs in Panchayat Raj Elections, CM might induct a few more ministers.